Caddiu

Caddiu is a rare red grape variety native to Sardinia, primarily grown in the lower Tirso Valley around Oristano. With only about twelve hectares cultivated today, it is mostly appreciated as a table grape for its large, sweet berries. Caddiu is closely related to the local Paddiu grape and goes by various names depending on the region, including Caddu, Caddiu Neddu, and Niedda Perda Sarda. The variety is vigorous but not highly productive, focusing more on foliage growth than fruit yield.

Caddiu produces ruby red wines with garnet hues. The nose is intense, offering well-defined vinosity and aromas of ripe plum and cherry. On the palate, the wine is warm and full-bodied, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and damson, often accompanied by a sweetly spiced note if aged in wood.

Caddiu is found mostly in the lower Tirso Valley of Sardinia, particularly around Oristano. Though almost extinct, it is used in blends of Sardinian IGT wines but is not included in any DOP classification. The grape ripens late in the season, around late September or early October.

Despite its rarity, Caddiu is a true native of Sardinia and has been cultivated for centuries, though little is known about its full genetic background due to the lack of detailed DNA studies.